Stella Kerl-McClain
Psychologist
Stella Kerl-McClainPhD
PhD, University of Texas at Austin, 1995
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and most major plans
Meet Stella
Although I have been working as a university faculty nearly 30 years, I have always identified primarily as clinician/psychotherapist. Prior to and concurrent with my academic appointments, I have worked in many different settings doing family, couples, and individual therapy.
I am bilingual (English and Spanish) and have experience working with a broad range of clients: college students, children, adolescents, community women, couples/families, older adults and people with chronic mental illness.
I also have experience in time-limited individual and group therapies, with forensic issues and with a wide range of presenting problems.
I am a founding board member and a past President of the Association for Creativity in Counseling, a division of the American Counseling Association, and am an strong advocate of using creative approaches to working with clients in therapy.
My publications in academic journals and presentations at conferences cover a broad range of topics, from critical theory, fat/body liberation, sexuality, creativity, neurodiversity, mental health diagnoses, and more.
Q&A with Stella
Getting to know Stella
What do you enjoy most about working with older adults?
As a psychologist, I feel honored to connect with all of my clients by exploring what makes them who they are: the relationships, the stories, the people, the challenges and successes. Together we can visit the areas that are painful or challenging as well as the places of love, joy and success.
I work collaboratively and transparently with clients to help them journey towards healing and hope, towards a more whole, authentic and empowered sense of self.
Why does online therapy work well for older adults?
Online therapy allows connection and access that might not otherwise be available to clients. Research has shown that people benefit from online approaches at similar rates as in-person therapy.
How do you approach therapy sessions?
I am highly relational and believe first in connecting with clients, helping them to feel safe and understood.
I take a very transparent approach to therapy, working together with clients on assessment and diagnosis, including using collaborative documentation, where goals and interventions are completed together with clients so that they have a voice in the work that we are doing together.
I see therapy as an exploration of all the aspects in the clients present and past worlds, identifying the impact that events and people have had, and moving towards hope and wholeness.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Choose a topic. Can’t find your answer? Call our care team at 1-800-567-LIFE.
About Total Life
Who is the service for?
Our service is tailored for seniors looking to navigate the challenges of aging and aiming to make their golden years, golden.
What is the core purpose of your teletherapy service?
Our core purpose is to help as many seniors as possible access the mental health care they need, irrespective of their insurance coverage. We believe everyone deserves quality mental health care.
How is your service tailored to seniors?
Our platform is easy to use, with straightforward steps to connect you with a therapist. Additionally, our care team is always ready to assist you from start to finish.
How can teletherapy help me feel like the best version of myself?
Teletherapy provides a supportive environment to explore and address concerns, helping you work through challenges and promoting mental well-being.
How is your service different from conventional therapy?
Unlike conventional therapy, we provide access to therapy through Original Medicare coverage. Our care team facilitates a smooth process from the initial call all the way through ongoing care.
Insurance & coverage
Are your teletherapy services covered by Original Medicare?
Yes, our services are accessible through Original Medicare coverage, making mental health care more accessible for seniors.
Do you accept insurance plans other than Original Medicare?
Yes, we accept select Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Please contact our care team to verify if your specific plan is accepted.
How do I pay for my sessions?
Payment can be made through various methods including Original Medicare coverage. Our care team can provide more detailed information based on your specific situation.
Is there a limit to the number of sessions I can have?
Original Medicare has an uncapped session limit; the number of sessions will be determined based on your individual needs and treatment plan.
What is a Superbill and how can it benefit me?
A Superbill is an itemized form that details the services you have received from us. It provides all the information needed to submit a claim to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.
If I have out-of-network benefits, how does the reimbursement process work?
If you have out-of-network benefits, you can submit the Superbill we provide to your insurance company for reimbursement. The reimbursement rate and process depend on your plan.
How do I obtain a Superbill for my sessions?
After each session, we can provide you with a Superbill. Our care team will assist you in generating a Superbill for your records.
Therapists & sessions
How experienced are your providers in working with older adults?
Our providers are hired specifically for their experience with older adults. They are trained and equipped to understand and address the unique mental health needs of seniors.
Can I choose my therapist?
We make every effort to match you with a therapist who has the right experience and expertise for your needs. If you have a preference, we’ll do our best to accommodate it.
What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist?
It’s important to have a good rapport with your therapist. If for any reason you wish to change therapists, just let us know and we’ll facilitate a switch.
How is progress measured in teletherapy?
Progress is measured through regular reviews and discussions between you and your therapist, ensuring that the therapy is effective and meeting your needs.
Getting started
How quickly can I start with my therapy sessions?
Our care team is dedicated to facilitating a quick and easy process from your first phone call to setting up a therapy session on the same call.
How do I schedule a teletherapy session?
Scheduling a session is simple. Just give us a call at 1-800-567-LIFE and our care team will assist you in setting up a session on the first call itself.
Do I need any special equipment for teletherapy?
All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone, and a reliable internet connection. Phone-only sessions are also available.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
We have a flexible cancellation and rescheduling policy. Just contact our care team and they will assist you with the necessary changes.